Aching bones, mild depression, always tired? You could be deficient in vitamin D! Lower levels of this essential vitamin can result in depression and poor calcium absorption – some cancers are also associated with a vitamin D deficiency. It’s very difficult to get adequate levels of vitamin D from food, so taking a high quality vitamin D supplement is the best way to make sure you’re getting enough D.

Are you at risk? Below is a list of common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

Individuals who are obese or overweight. There’s no change in vitamin D production in people who are obese, however, because vitamin D is fat soluble and becomes “diluted” in overweight people, those carrying extra weight need additional amounts of vitamin D to make up for the difference.

People with dark skin are at higher risk for deficiency. The darker your skin the more sun you need to get the same amount of vitamin D as a fair-skinned person.

People who spend a lot of time indoors during the day. For example, if you’re housebound or work nights.

People who cover their skin all of the time. For example, if you wear sunscreen or if your skin is covered with clothes.

People that live in the North of the United States or Canada. This is because there are fewer hours of overhead sunlight the further away you are from the equator.

Older people have thinner skin than younger people and this may mean that they can’t produce as much vitamin D.

Infants that are breastfed and aren’t given a vitamin D supplement. If you’re feeding your baby on breast milk alone, and you don’t give your baby a vitamin D supplement or take a supplement yourself, your baby is more likely to be deficient in vitamin D.

Pregnant women.

Make sure you’re getting the right levels of vitamin D with PhytoD 2000, formulated by Dr. D’Adamo, that includes a unique combination of vitamins D3 and K and is compounded with Epimedium and Drynaria-two traditional Chinese herbs with long historical usage in the support of bone and connective tissue health. Phyto D 2000™ also includes Vitamin k2 and Strontium which help maintain strong, healthy bones and promote joint flexibility.